FAQs

What is it like being a Jumpstart Corps member?Serving with Jumpstart is usually described as a very rewarding experience. To find out more, read a Corps Member’s story or check out the Jumpstart model. As a Jumpstart Corps member, you have the opportunity to be part of a national movement working towards the day every child in America enters Kindergarten prepared to succeed. Working as a Jumpstart Corps member requires a commitment of the full academic year for about 12 hours every week. Corps members are not expected to serve during NU breaks, though occasional weekend work is required. Corps members serve twice a week in Jumpstart sessions; each consists of two hours working directly with a consistent group of children, followed by a one hour planning session with their team. Corps members also provide 3-5 hours of classroom assistance time each week working in the preschool classroom as a volunteer. Corps members typically create their Jumpstart schedule around their course schedules.

What are the benefits of being a Jumpstart Corps Member?Jumpstart offers Northeastern students the chance to engage in meaningful service while receiving extensive early childhood and professional development training. College students who participate in Jumpstart have the ability to make an extraordinary difference in the life of a young child. All Jumpstart participants who commit to 300 hours of service over the course of the year (and meet eligibility requirements) will earn an AmeriCorps Education Award (worth up to an additional $1,195). Students who are Work-Study eligible may also earn their Federal Work-Study by working in Jumpstart. Students who are enrolled in the Civic Engagement Program will be able to fulfill all of their requirements for CEP through their participation in Jumpstart.

Where are the Jumpstart sites located? Jumpstart at Northeastern partners with pre-schools in the Mission Hill and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston.

I don’t have a car on campus. How will I get to my Jumpstart site? All of our pre-school sites are accessible by public transportation. Some sites are close enough to walk from campus and others are easily accessible by bus or by the T. Generally, our teams will travel to and from sites together as a group. Jumpstart works closely with Corps members and Team Leaders to ensure that everyone is equipped with strategies and tips for staying safe in the city.

What kind of hours do I need to work? All Corps members are expected to complete at least 300 hours of service over the course of the school year. This means that Corps members hired to start in the fall semester typically work 12-15 hours each week. In the event that a Corps member is hired to start in the spring semester, they can expect to work closer to 15-20 hours every week.

What does a Corps member’s schedule typically look like? Corps members complete a Jumpstart session with their team two days every week. These sessions last 2 hours, and consist of small group reading and activities, as well as a large-group circle time. After the session, the Jumpstart team holds a Team planning meeting, which is an hour long. Since these are team activities, we have a couple of options available. Students must be available for one of the following time slots: (should include travel)

What if I can only make it to one of the Jumpstart sessions every week?Unfortunately, it is required that Corps members attend both Jumpstart sessions every week, meaning that an applicant must be available at the same time on Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday every week.

Can I still participate if I don’t have Work-Study? Yes! We welcome all students with an interest in Jumpstart, but we do expect that students put in the same levels of effort and dedication regardless of whether they are receiving a Work-Study stipend or volunteering their time.

What if I don’t know very much about children or teaching? Jumpstart at Northeastern welcomes students excited to learn more about early childhood education and social responsibility. All you need to apply is a willingness to participate and learn. Jumpstart provides over 60 hours of training for all Corps members, as well as ongoing support and supervision throughout the year.

What happens after I submit my application? A Jumpstart-Northeastern staff member will contact you, and if you are a strong candidate for the position, you will be asked to complete a brief phone interview. The most promising candidates will be asked to come in for an in-person interview that should last about a half-hour.

What if I have more questions? If you have any further questions, contact the Jumpstart Site Manager, Yelana Loiselle aty.loiselle@neu.edu or call her at (617) 373-7877

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